The Pittsburgh Steelers began the Kenny Pickett era officially this past Sunday when Mike Tomlin inserted the first-round draft pick into the lineup to start the second half against the New York Jets. Pickett started his Steelers career a little ignominiously after unleashing a bomb in the direction of Chase Claypool on his very first pass attempt. Josh Rowntree from 93.7 The Fan caught up with Claypool after practice on Thursday and he gave some insight into the rookie’s mindset:
“I said, 'How are you feeling?'” Claypool said. “Then he [Kenny Pickett] said, 'I feel great, this is where I am supposed to be.'”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (11) running a route against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It is easy to see why the young signal-caller engenders confidence in the whole offense. Pickett displayed that the moment was not too big for him on Sunday as he turned a four-point deficit into a 10-point lead in a quarter. He shook off the bomb to Claypool quickly and engineered the best drive of the season so far for the Steelers with a 12-play, 82-yard drive that ended with his second rushing touchdown of the game.
Steelers' Chase Claypool (11) and George Pickens (14) against the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Diontae Johnson landed on the injury report and if he cannot go on Sunday, Claypool and George Pickens will be the primary outside targets for Pickett. Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Claypool how he was preparing to be the potential number one for the rookie in his first start:
“Some of us have gotten a lot of reps with him,” Claypool responded. “In between periods, during special teams, we kind of spot up or run through some routes. We talk through some routes and see what we are both thinking and meet in the middle.”
Pickett’s first pass was a 50/50 ball that demonstrated he intended to hang in the pocket and deliver opportunities to the highly touted Steelers playmakers. Claypool is a huge target who touted himself in the off-season as a top three receiver in the NFL. Bluntly, he has the tools, but he is clumsy and constantly falls to the ground on contested catches. He often jumps too early and lands awkwardly. Batko asked him about the first pass from Pickett on Sunday against the Jets and what he thought from his perspective about the interception and if he could have done anything differently:
“He went up to me and said I’m going to throw it no matter what,” Claypool shared. “I loved it, it’s something I have wanted all season. It’s unfortunate it gets intercepted. It’s super easy after the fact to pause the play and say I should have done this or that. I don’t really like to do that, I ’m confident in my abilities. Throw 10 of ‘em, I am confident I am coming down with 9 of them.”
Chase Claypool was the target for Kenny Pickett’s first NFL pass — and first NFL interception.
— Post-Gazette Sports (@PGSportsNow) October 6, 2022
With Pickett now operating as the first-team quarterback, he and Claypool have taken extra reps together to get their timing down.
From: @BrianBatko ⬇️https://t.co/sWiaHnWzum
Claypool is a physical freak, and it is easy to see why Pickett wants to get him more involved in the offense. However, Ben Roethlisberger watched countless contested catches fall harmlessly to the turf last season and while it would have been spectacular, the ball hit Claypool in the hands. It was underthrown, but on deep balls, that can be an advantage. The offense and the frustrated playmakers have a golden opportunity to write a new script on Sunday with Pickett at the helm.
The Steelers huddle against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 2, 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The biggest change against the Buffalo Bills may be the only quarterback selected in the first round’s willingness to let his giant sized weapons make plays down the field. The offensive line has been at the top of the NFL in pass protection, so he should have some time. It could result in multiple interceptions or touchdowns in Orchard Park, but either way, it should be a lot of fun to watch.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Kenny Pickett figure out a way to keep Claypool upright, or maybe hit him in stride and see if he can run away from a defense? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
